An exceptionally decorative red lacquer Chinoiserie cabinet, richly ornamented with gilt and polychrome landscape scenes and mounted with elaborate pierced metal hardware.

The rectangular cabinet is fitted with a pair of doors decorated with traditional figures, architecture, trees, birds and garden landscapes against a deep red lacquer ground. The doors retain their highly decorative pierced mounts, hinges and central escutcheon, giving the cabinet an especially rich and architectural appearance.

Opening the doors reveals a fitted interior with three long drawers, each retaining brass ring pulls, above a spacious open storage compartment. The interior surfaces retain the warm red lacquer finish, while the reverse of the doors is decorated with additional gilt figural motifs.

The cabinet is raised on a spectacular carved giltwood stand in the Baroque/Rococo taste. The pierced apron is densely carved with scrolling acanthus foliage, flowers, fruit and numerous sculptural putti, continuing into dramatically shaped cabriole legs. The upper crest is equally elaborate, centred by a carved basket overflowing with fruit and flowers and flanked by seated putti amid sweeping foliate scrolls.

The combination of Asian-inspired lacquer decoration and exuberant European giltwood carving typifies the fascination with Chinoiserie interiors in Europe during the late 19th century.

A true statement piece with tremendous presence, equally suited to a grand living room, entrance hall, library or sophisticated eclectic interior.

Circa: Late 19th century
Materials: Lacquered wood, giltwood and metal mounts
Style: Chinoiserie / Baroque Revival / Rococo Revival